The Lions have opened up on an exceptionally difficult week following the tragic death of lock Hyron Andrews, as the squad prepares for another emotional outing in Friday's United Rugby Championship clash against Edinburgh in Scotland.
The Lions lost 31–14 to La Rochelle in their Champions Cup clash in France on Saturday, just a day after the sudden death of Andrews.
But the result was secondary to an emotionally draining weekend in which the rugby community rallied around the grieving Johannesburg side.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Lions communications manager Nyaniso Sam said that the club is closely assisting Andrews’ family, with CEO Rudolf Straeuli visiting the late lock’s wife, Maighlin, and their two sons, Hendrix and Emerson, to pay his respects on behalf of the Lions.
Sam added that the club is currently awaiting the completion of the autopsy process in France before further details regarding funeral arrangements are released.
"Regarding the necessary arrangements from here on in, we will be guided by them in terms of what to communicate," Sam explained. "We are waiting for the autopsy to be completed in the next 24 hours or so, and then we will be guided by the family in terms of releasing information."
Reflecting on the preceding days, Lions assistant coach and former Springbok prop Julian Redelinghuys expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and respect shown by the global rugby family, particularly during their fixture against La Rochelle in France, following Andrews’ passing.
"The support we received from almost everyone—people back home, the staff, leadership, coaches, players, and supporters of La Rochelle—felt really authentic and respectful," said Redelinghuys.
"It helped us get closure on a really sad event that shocked all of us, and it reminded us why we all love this game. It's more than just the sport itself."
With the squad now based in Scotland for a demanding two-game tour against Edinburgh and Glasgow, Redelinghuys admitted that navigating the emotional rollercoaster has presented unprecedented challenges for the team.
After an emotionally charged match against La Rochelle, they will now have to get themselves back up for Edinburgh on Friday night.
"There's no manual for this, how the players are going to respond," Redelinghuys noted. "We're just trying to do our best to give the guys the support they need to pitch up again.
“The week is a short week, so there's not a lot of time to prep on-field, but the team has pulled together closely through adversity.
"We know Edinburgh has started the season really well and has exciting young players. We have to shift from the emotional side and focus on the process. It's not easy, but the boys are determined to put in a performance that honours the jersey and each other."